Container apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including first and second attachment apparatuses and a container device. The first and second attachment apparatuses each may have a first end and an opposing second end. The first ends of the first and second attachment apparatuses may be configured to be attached to first and second locations, respectively, on a piece of clothing and the second ends of the first and second attachment apparatuses may be configured to be attached to first and second sides of the container device. The apparatus, may be configured so that when the first ends of the first and second attachment apparatuses are attached to the piece of clothing at the first and second locations, the second ends of the first and second attachment apparatuses are attached to the first and second sides, respectively, and the piece of clothing is worn, the container device is configured to be held above a surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers used by children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Young children, such as one year old children, or toddlers frequently drop and/or kick their bowls of food to the ground, such as when they get tired of holding the bowls. There is a need for devices which prevent a young child from dropping their food and/or food receptacles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising a first attachment apparatus; a second attachment apparatus; and a container device.

The first attachment apparatus may have a first end and an opposing second end; and the second attachment apparatus may have a first end and an opposing second end.

The first end of the first attachment apparatus may be configured to be attached and detached from a first location on a piece of clothing and the second end of the first attachment apparatus may be configured to be attached and detached from a first side of the container device.

The first end of the second attachment apparatus may be configured to be attached and detached from a second location, different from the first location on the piece of clothing and the second end of the first attachment apparatus may be configured to be attached and detached from a second side of the container device, which is opposite the first side of the container device.

The apparatus, or overall apparatus, may be configured so that when the first end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the first location, the first end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the second location, the second end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the first side of the container device, and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the second side of the container device, and the piece of clothing is worn by an individual, so that the container device is configured to be held above a ground surface and attached to the piece of clothing.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus may include a first clip which is located at the first end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the piece of clothing; and a second clip which is located at the first end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the piece of clothing.

In at least one embodiment the apparatus may include a third clip which is located at the second end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the third clip is configured to be attached or detached from the first side of the container device; and a fourth clip is located at the second end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the fourth clip is configured to be attached or detached from the second side of the container device.

In at least one embodiment, a method is provided which includes attaching a first end of a first attachment apparatus to a piece of clothing at a first location; attaching a first end of a second attachment apparatus to a piece of clothing at a second location different from the first location; attaching a second end of the first attachment apparatus to a first side of a container device; and attaching a second end of the second attachment apparatus to a second side, opposite a first side, of a container device; and wherein the container device is suspended above a ground surface, when the piece of clothing is worn by an individual, the first end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the first location, the first end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the second location, the second end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the first side of a container device, and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the second side of the container device.

The method may further include placing food or toys into an inner chamber of the container device. The method may further include placing a mobile electronics communications device so that the mobile electronics communications device is supported by the container device, while the container device is suspended above a ground surface.

The method may further include placing food, toys, baby bottles, and/or older kids' and/or adults' bottled and canned beverages into an inner chamber of the container device. The container device may be used by those of all ages, and generally allows individuals to retain items, while keeping their hands free.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a container apparatus, shown attached to a child shown in broken lines, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1, in a first state;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the container apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of part of the container apparatus of FIG. 1, such that the lid 32 has been detached and is not shown in FIG. 9, and with the part of container apparatus 1 in a second state in which clips of two attachment apparatuses are connected together; and

FIG. 10 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of the part container apparatus of FIG. 1, with the lid of the container apparatus removed, and with the part container apparatus in the second state in which clips of two attachment apparatuses are connected together, and with the part of the container apparatus shown attached, or looped around a car heat or head rest of a car seat, and with a cell phone or tablet computer inserted into an inner chamber of the part of the container apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a container apparatus 1, shown attached to a child 100 shown in broken lines, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1.

The container apparatus 1 includes attachment apparatus 10, attachment apparatus 20, and container device 30.

The attachment apparatus 10 includes a clip 12, a connector 14, a strap 16, a connector 18, and a clip 19. The attachment apparatus 20 includes a clip 22, a connector 24, a strap 26, a connector 28, and a clip 29.

The container device 30 includes a lid 32, a container 34, member 36, a pivot pin 38, a member 40, shown in FIG. 2, and a member 42, a pivot pin 44, and a member 46 shown in FIG. 3.

The member 36 is pivotally connected to the member 40 by the pivot pin 38 and the member 42 is pivotally connected to the member 46 by the pivot pin 44, as shown in FIGS. 3-4

The lid 32 can be removed from the container 34 to allow access to an inner chamber within the container 34 to allow child 100 to take food items or play items out of the inner chamber of container 34. The container 34 may have a box shape, with an opening at the top when the lid 32 is removed.

The clips 12 and 22 have teeth, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, respectively, for connecting to clothing such as clothing of the child 100, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to attach the apparatus 1 to the child 100 and/or the clothing which the child 100 is wearing.

The clips 29 and 19 can be detached from the container device 30 to detach the attachment devices 10 and 20 from the container device 30.

The attachment devices 10 and 20, in at least one embodiment may be attached to the back of a car seat, so allow the container device 30 to be attached to the back of a car seat.

The straps 16 and 26 may be elongated having a length and a width, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the length, is about eight and a half inches and the width is about one and three quarters inches. The dimensions are critical in at least one embodiment to provide an appropriate length for a small child so the container device 30 is located at about the waist of the child when the attachment devices 10 and 20 are attached to a child and/or to the child's clothing as in FIG. 1.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 1, which may be called a snack utility pot, is configured to be used to prevent or inhibit a child, such as a one year old child, or toddler, from dropping their food and/or food container. The apparatus 1, and particularly the use of attachment devices 10 and 20 in combination with the container device 30, saves a lot of cleanup time. In addition, the apparatus 1 can be attached to a car seat in front of the seat that a toddler or infant is seated in, and a cell phone, or tablet computer, can be placed in the inner chamber of the container 34, so that the child can be entertained by a video clip, movie, or multi-media presentation being played on the cell phone or tablet computer.

FIG. 9 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a part of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, with the lid 32 of the container apparatus 1 detached and removed, with the part of the container apparatus in a second state in which the clips 12 and 22 of the attachment apparatuses 10 and 20, respectively, are connected together, to form a combination of apparatuses 10 and 20 into a loop, or U-shape.

FIG. 10 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of the part of the container apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, with the lid 32 removed, and with the part of the container apparatus 1 in the second state in which the clips 12 and 22 of the attachment apparatuses 10 and 20 are connected together, and with the container apparatus 1 shown attached, or looped around a car seat 200 or head rest 202 of a car seat 200, and/or a bar 204 to which the head rest 202 is mounted. The car seat 200 is shown by dashed lines and the clips or clasps 12 and 22, in at least one embodiment, may be located behind the head rest 202, so they are not visible and not accessible by a child in a back seat of a car. This makes it difficult if not impossible for a child to take the clips or clasps 12 and 22 apart, and/or to detach the part of the apparatus 1 from attachment to the car seat 200. The head rest 202 typically would be of a passenger car seat, and the child would be seated in a back car seat behind the head rest 202 and behind the car seat 200.

FIG. 10 shows a simplified diagram of a cell phone or tablet computer 300 inserted into an inner chamber 33 of the container apparatus 1. FIG. 9 also shows the inner chamber 33 of the container apparatus 1, with the lid 32 taken off of the container 34.

In at least one embodiment, the lid 32 may be left attached as part of the container apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; the complete container apparatus 1 may have the clips or clasps 12 and 22 connected together as in FIGS. 9 and 10; and a cell phone or tablet 300 may be placed upright, as in FIGS. 9 and 10 on a top surface 32 a of the lid 32, shown in FIG. 2, while the apparatus 1 is attached to a car seat 200, similarly or identically to as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The container 34 may hold snacks or toys in the inner chamber 33. A child can conveniently reach into the inner chamber 33 for food or toys. When the apparatus 1 or part of the apparatus 1 is used to hold a cell phone or tablet computer 300 as in FIG. 10, or on the top surface 32 a with the lid 32 attached, this eliminates the need for a child to hold cell phone or tablet computer 300, which avoids damage to the cell phone or tablet computer 300 and avoids the child touching a computer screen field or icon which may cause an undesired computer software application to come up, the desired computer software application to shut off, the phone to shut off, the volume to undesirably go up or down, or some other undesired consequence.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention young children, such as infants, toddlers, can watch their favorite kids' television shows, movies, or videos, in the back seat of an automobile, while a parent or guardian is driving, without the programs being interrupted, and without holding the cell phone or tablet computer 300.

The inner chamber 33, shown in FIG. 9, may be surrounded by walls on all sides and on the bottom of the container 34, such that liquids, including soups or drinks can be held inside of the inner chamber 33, without leaking out of the inner chamber 33. The container 34 may be clear or transparent so that the type of liquid or other material can be seen through the walls and the bottom of the container 34. There may be an inner container placed within the inner chamber 33. The inner chamber 33, with or without another inner container, may hold solid foods, vegetables, salads, fruits, chicken, etc.

In at least one embodiment, a divider may be provided to divide the inner chamber 33 into two or more sections. In one example, one section may be used to put foods with seeds (sunflower seeds, grapes, etc.), while another section may be used to dispose of the seeds in the other part of the inner chamber 33.

The clips, clasps, or attachment devices 12 and 22 can be connected to any material. The container 34 may be used as an extra cup holder in a car. The apparatus 1 can be clipped to winter jackets or coats without having to expose a child's neck to put on a bib when it's freezing cold. It is preferred that the attachment devices 12 and 22 have teeth, so they can be attached to clothing as shown in FIG. 1.

However, it at least one embodiment, the clips or attachment devices 12 and 22 can be attached together, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 so the apparatus 1 or the apparatus 1 without the lid 32, may be worn around the neck of a person, or can be hung on an object, such as a door knob, etc.

In at least one embodiment, the straps 16 and 26 of the apparatus 1 are adjustable

In at least one embodiment, flashing lights may be embedded in the walls or the bottom of the container 34, and/or in the large attachment devices 19 and/or 29 to entertain a child.

In at least one embodiment, a musical playing device, such as including a computer chip, may be embedded in the walls or bottom of the container 34 and/or in the large attachment devices 19 and 29.

The apparatus 1 may come in different styles and colors. The apparatus 1 may be used by all ages from twelve months old to adults, but is particularly useful with young children.

The apparatus 1 can also be attached to thicker clothing such as coats and jackets, using first attachment apparatus 10 and second attachment apparatus 20.

The container 34 may have include an outer container, and an inner container, wherein the the inner container has the same shape as the outer container, however is smaller so it can fit within the outer container. In at least one embodiment, the inner container can be removed to eat foods like soup, cereal etc.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a first attachment apparatus; a second attachment apparatus; and a container device; wherein the first attachment apparatus has a first end and an opposing second end; wherein the second attachment apparatus has a first end and an opposing second end; wherein the first end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a first location on a piece of clothing and the second end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a first side of the container device; wherein the first end of the second attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a second location, different from the first location on the piece of clothing and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a second side of the container device, which is opposite the first side of the container device; and wherein the apparatus is configured so that when the first end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the first location, the first end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the second location, the second end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the first side of the container device, and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the second side of the container device, and the piece of clothing is worn by an individual, the container device is configured to be held above a ground surface and attached to the piece of clothing; wherein the container device is comprised of a plurality of walls and a bottom which define an inner chamber; and wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is transparent so that a type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through the at least one of the plurality of walls.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a first clip is located at the first end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the piece of clothing; and a second clip is located at the first end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the piece of clothing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a first clip is located at the second end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the first clip is configured to be attached or detached from the first side of the container device; and a second clip is located at the second end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the second side of the container device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a third clip is located at the second end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the third clip is configured to be attached or detached from the first side of the container device; and a fourth clip is located at the second end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the fourth clip is configured to be attached or detached from the second side of the container device.
 5. A method of using an apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes: a first attachment apparatus; a second attachment apparatus; and a container device; wherein the first attachment apparatus has a first end and an opposing second end; wherein the second attachment apparatus has a first end and an opposing second end; wherein the first end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a first location on a piece of clothing and the second end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a first side of the container device; wherein the first end of the second attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a second location, different from the first location on the piece of clothing and the second end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a second side of the container device, which is opposite the first side of the container device; and wherein the apparatus is configured so that when the first end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the first location, the first end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the second location, the second end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the first side of the container device, and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the second side of the container device, and the piece of clothing is worn by an individual, the container device is configured to be held above a ground surface and attached to the piece of clothing; wherein the container device is comprised of a plurality of walls and a bottom which define an inner chamber; and wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is transparent so that a type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through the at least one of the plurality of walls; and wherein the method comprises: attaching a first end of the first attachment apparatus to a piece of clothing at a first location; attaching a first end of the second attachment apparatus to a piece of clothing at a second location different from the first location; attaching a second end of the first attachment apparatus to a first side of a container device; attaching a second end of the second attachment apparatus to a second side, opposite a first side, of a container device; and wherein the container device is suspended above a ground surface, when the piece of clothing is worn by an individual, the first end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the first location, the first end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the second location, the second end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the first side of a container device, and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the second side of the container device.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein a first clip is located at the first end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the piece of clothing; and a second clip is located at the first end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the piece of clothing.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein a first clip is located at the second end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the first clip is configured to be attached or detached from the first side of the container device; and a second clip is located at the second end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the second clip is configured to be attached or detached from the second side of the container device.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein a third clip is located at the second end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the third clip is configured to be attached or detached from the first side of the container device; and a fourth clip is located at the second end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the fourth clip is configured to be attached or detached from the second side of the container device.
 9. The method of claim 5 further comprising placing food into the inner chamber of the container device.
 10. The method of claim 5 further comprising placing a mobile electronics communications device so that the mobile electronics communications device is supported by the container device.
 11. The method of claim 5 further comprising placing a toy into the inner chamber of the container device.
 12. The method of claim 5 further comprising placing a bottle into the inner chamber of the container device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of walls is transparent so that a type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through each of the plurality of walls.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottom is transparent so that the type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through the bottom.
 15. An apparatus comprising: a first attachment apparatus; a second attachment apparatus; and a container device; wherein the first attachment apparatus has a first end and an opposing second end; wherein the second attachment apparatus has a first end and an opposing second end; wherein the first end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a first location on a piece of clothing and the second end of the first attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a first side of the container device; wherein the first end of the second attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a second location, different from the first location on the piece of clothing and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is configured to be attached and detached from a second side of the container device, which is opposite the first side of the container device; and wherein the apparatus is configured so that when the first end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the first location, the first end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the piece of clothing at the second location, the second end of the first attachment apparatus is attached to the first side of the container device, and the second end of the second attachment apparatus is attached to the second side of the container device, and the piece of clothing is worn by an individual, the container device is configured to be held above a ground surface and attached to the piece of clothing; wherein the container device is comprised of a plurality of walls and a bottom which define an inner chamber; wherein the container device has a box shape, and includes a removable lid at the top of the box shape; and wherein the removable lid is configured so that removing the removable lid from the plurality of walls of the container device creates an opening through which an item in the inner chamber is configured to be accessed by someone reaching into the inner chamber.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is transparent so that a type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through the at least one of the plurality of walls.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each of the plurality of walls is transparent so that a type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through each of the plurality of walls.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the bottom is transparent so that the type of material inside of the inner chamber can be seen through the bottom.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first attachment apparatus includes teeth at the first end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the teeth of the first attachment apparatus are configured to attach to clothing, and be detached from clothing; wherein the second attachment apparatus includes teeth at the first end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the teeth of the second attachment apparatus are configured to attach to clothing, and be detached from clothing; and wherein the teeth of the first attachment device when attached to an article of clothing and the teeth of the second attachment device when attached to the article of clothing, simultaneously, are configured in combination to be sufficient to suspend the container device above the ground surface.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first attachment apparatus includes teeth at the first end of the first attachment apparatus, wherein the teeth of the first attachment apparatus are configured to attach to clothing, and be detached from clothing; wherein the second attachment apparatus includes teeth at the first end of the second attachment apparatus, wherein the teeth of the second attachment apparatus are configured to attach to clothing, and be detached from clothing; and wherein the teeth of the first attachment device when attached to an article of clothing and the teeth of the second attachment device when attached to the article of clothing, simultaneously, are configured in combination to be sufficient to suspend the container device above the ground surface.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of walls and the bottom are configured so that a liquid is held inside the inner chamber without leaking out of the inner chamber.
 22. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the plurality of walls and the bottom are configured so that a liquid is held inside the inner chamber without leaking out of the inner chamber. 